ACCC proposes enhanced rules under the Telstra accounting separation regime

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today issued two draft record keeping rules under the accounting separation regime for Telstra. The ACCC is seeking comments from interested parties on the draft rules.

The first rule includes additional key performance indicators (KPIs) for Telstra's ADSL services and recurring faults for basic access services.  

"Ensuring non-discrimination in the provision of broadband services is important.  The inclusion of ADSL performance measures will provide greater transparency about the manner in which Telstra supplies these services to its retail and wholesale customers respectively", ACCC Commissioner, Mr Ed Willett, said today.

"Under the draft rule, Telstra will also be required to report on recurring faults.  These are considered necessary to provide an indication of the quality of Telstra's fault rectification activities and will supplement the existing metric as to how long it takes Telstra to rectify reported faults".

The ACCC believes that the enhancements outlined in the draft rule will address a number of industry concerns and will better ensure that the KPIs develop into the effective regulatory regime as envisaged by Government in mandating accounting separation.

The ACCC specifically seeks comment on the proposed target time frames for the activation and repair of ADSL services.

The second draft rule specifies the requirements on Telstra to fully implement the current cost accounting framework and reflects changes to asset valuation and report preparation methodologies.

Comments on the draft rules should be provided by no later than 5 pm on Friday 20 August 2004 and addressed to:

In addition to a hard copy, those making comments are requested, if they are able, to provide an electronic copy to grant.young@accc.gov.au.